The Kroton Hela Wigmen clinched a hard-fought 30-26 victory over the Gas Resources Central Dabaris in Round Two of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup on Easter Sunday, 20th 2025.
In a tightly contested match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, both teams displayed exceptional skill, speed, and grit at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby.
The Wigmen made a strong start, scoring three tries in the first half, two within the first ten (10) minutes by Kopu Piju (4th minute), Kaupa Sipa (8th minute), and the final third try by Mesino Laki in the 31st minute followed by three (3) successful conversions by Wigmen’s sharpshooter, Lote Kuman.
Meanwhile, the Central Dabaris also responded after 20 minutes with tries of their own from Tegana Apa and Douglas Piraka. Junior Hoki also fought his way over the line for another try in the 24th minute. However, Dabaris’ Nicki Hasu successfully scored 2 out of 3 crucial conversions in the first half which kept them trailing on the scoreboard, 16-18.
The Wigmen extended their lead in the second half with two more tries from Lote Kuman in the 51st minute and Elwin Waringa (53rd minute), again both converted by Kuman, maintaining a perfect kicking record.
For the Dabaris, Douglas Piraka scored his second in the 64th minute, followed by Valentine Wandi’s first in the 70th. Despite narrowing the gap. the missed conversion opportunities once again proved costly.
The Dabaris refused to give up. A last-minute surge by the Dabaris in the 75th minute though was not enough to make a difference on the score board, as the Wigmen held firm in defense to secure the win 30-26.
The victory marks a strong statement from the Kroton Hela Wigmen early in the season, highlighting their clinical finish and composure under pressure.
The Central Dabaris will take lessons from their near comeback, especially in tightening up their kicking game, while the Wigmen now look ahead to Round Three with momentum on their side and growing confidence in their campaign for victory.
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